Exploring Socio-Economic Realities: Women in Street Coffee Vending in Bahir Dar City

Abstract

Street coffee vending is an important source of income for many poor segments of urban society, particularly women. Rural-urban migration is identified as the primary cause for the emergence of street coffee vending. This study aims to explore the major socio-economic challenges faced by street coffee vendors and their livelihoods. Employing a qualitative research design and an ethnographic approach, the study analyses and interprets data anthropologically, primarily through the use of primary sources. Observer participation, focus group discussions (FGDs), and in-depth interviews were utilized to gather reliable and valid data on the vendors' livelihoods and daily lives. The study employed purposive sampling, selecting thirty-six women street coffee vendors for in-depth interviews and twenty-one individuals for FGDs from various strata within the target population. Coffee vending represents the largest portion of street vending among informal economic activities in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. This is attributed to the special cultural significance of coffee in Ethiopia, with its unique ceremonies and meanings, making it a preferred choice for many women seeking self-sufficiency. In the study area, women are the primary and sole actors in street coffee vending. The study identifies both pull and push factors motivating women to engage in this activity. However, the income generated from street coffee vending often proves to be hand-to-mouth and insufficient. Women street vendors face numerous challenges, including natural, social, economic, and health-related issues, rendering them vulnerable. In light of these significant challenges, this study delves into the socio-economic lives of women street coffee vendors in Bahir Dar City.